Safety issue

Safety issue description

The increased capability of helicopters and rescue winches enabled the conduct of complex winch rescues beyond the current level of winch training and procedural support associated with the traditional special casualty access team clinical access role, leading to an increased risk that hazards associated with complex rescues were not identified.
Issue number AO-2011-166-SI-02
Issue owner Ambulance Service of NSW
Transport function Aviation: Other
Date issue released 16/05/2013

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2011-166-NSA-039
Organisation Ambulance Service of New South Wales
Action date 16/05/2013
Action description

In response to this accident ASNSW has:

  • through its Statewide Services Division, introduced a mission governance procedure to ensure appropriate resources are supplied to support helicopter rescue missions
  • through its Control Division, strengthened procedures to ensure supervisors and all appropriate agencies are notified, and dispatched, to missions involving a helicopter rescue or SCAT response
  • undertaken an external review of its command and control procedures
  • arranged to present the safety issue to the New South Wales State Rescue Board for consideration.
Action status Closed